Umtamvuna Views: There’s a new a centenarian in town!
Doreen is the proud mother of seven children and grandmother to fifteen.
PORT Edward has a 100-year-old resident! Doreen (Phyllis) Getkate, who lives with her son Mick and daughter-in-law Sue, celebrated her centenary with friends and family at her old Balcomb family home, Isivundu, near Stanger.
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Doreen is the second of four siblings born to Frank and Gertie Balcomb, who farmed in the Amatikulu area. Doreen is spritely, still enjoys life to the full – she is the proud mother of seven children and grandmother to 15.
Pupils toil
A group of Port Shepstone High pupils have been working hard around Port Edward. As part of a Life Orientation social and environmental responsibility project, the gr 10 youngsters volunteered time and efforts to Port Edward and Banners Rest Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association.
They assisted in the conservancy refuse run from Dassies Beach to Splash Rock, and helped out at the community garden at the Methodist Church. They also painted all the concrete refuse bins at the beach and helped revamp the flower bed in front of the newly-refurbished ‘Welcome to Pot Edward’ sign. A big thank you goes to the pupils and sponsors Liana Alkema (paint) and Simon Woodley (plants). Douglas Powell and Peter Brereton assisted in facilitating the programme.
Teresa takes over
About 70 people gathered at Port Edward Country Club last Wednesday for the official welcoming of newly-appointed principal of Port Edward Primary School. Teresa MacKay (49), who has relocated from Gaborone, Botswana, has been teaching for 27 years. Due to work commitments, her husband and son will join her next year.
Social market
A festive street market in the ‘social hub’ of Port Edward was held last Saturday. Stall holders displayed their wares in the sunshine along Ramsay Avenue and browsers enjoyed the vibe and perfect weather.
Interesting history
Banners Rest Village hosted a very well attended talk on the Soao Joao Portuguese wreck (off Silver Beach) and the ancient Silk Road. The two are inextricably entwined as merchandise carried overland from the East to the rich and famous of Europe and England over thousands of years suddenly came to a halt in the late 15th century.
The Turks invaded Constantinople (Istanbul) and blocked the trade access to the Mediterranean.
The Portuguese discovered the sea route around the Cape and so began the sea trade route between East and West. Soao Joao was the first recorded wreck (1552) along the South African coast. Guests enjoyed a hot cup of soup provided by village caterer Merle Senekal.
Meet Sinegugu
Trafalgar Conservancy invites everyone to a talk by Sinegugu Zukulu, a dynamic and passionate social and environmental activist. He was born in Pondoland, Wild Coast, and grew up with the hardships of most rural Pondos. His passion drove him to achieve a BA degree and a Masters in Philosophy and Environmental Management.
He is the author of more than 10 books and he won an ‘eco-warrior’ award this year. The talk will take place at Trafalgar Pinkster Church on Saturday, June 29 at 4pm. Entry is R20pp and tea and cake will be served. For further information, contact Tracy Taylor at 071 3490718.
All news to Philippa.
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